BIM-Based Building Performance Analysis: Evaluation and Simulation of Design Decisions

Developments in information technology are providing methods to improve current design practices, where uncertainties about various design elements can be simulated and studied from the design inception. Energy and thermal simulations, improved design representations and enhanced collaboration using digital media are increasingly being used. This paper discusses research on the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) for building performance simulations, integrated with the design process. Interoperability between BIM-based design and energy simulation tools can improve the workflow between design deliverables and analysis applications since the information contained in the BIM models can also be reused for analysis. However, it is essential to track what type of information is needed for a specific analysis and the appropriate modeling procedures. We demonstrate differences between BIM “design” and “analysis” models, and levels of detail that need to be incorporated during different design stages to streamline the integrated design and analysis process. We also review methods for data exchange between BIM and environmental analysis software. A case study from an architectural practice setting is discussed in order to illustrate types of questions, data exchange between design and analysis applications, analysis processes, and results that are obtained using BIM-based building performance simulation tools